Worksheet
Thinking Errors: Cognitive Distortions for Children
This child-friendly cognitive distortions worksheet introduces common thinking errors like all-or-nothing thinking, emotional reasoning, and fortune telling in an engaging, age-appropriate format. By helping kids recognize irrational thoughts and unpleasant feelings, therapists can support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and build long-term mental health skills through guided practice and discussion.
How to Use This Worksheet
This worksheet is designed to help children identify common thinking errors in a developmentally appropriate and engaging way. Through guided examples, kids can begin to recognize patterns like emotional reasoning, mind reading, and black-and-white thinking that contribute to negative feelings and behaviors. Therapists can walk through each example during sessions or assign it as a practice tool for children to complete with a parent or guardian.
Who It’s For
This worksheet is ideal for children who frequently experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or intense emotional responses that are difficult to explain. It’s especially helpful for young clients who may struggle to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness of irrational thoughts and how they influence feelings
- Ability to label and challenge cognitive distortions using real-life examples
- Improved emotional regulation and communication around difficult emotions
- Greater mental health literacy for children and caregivers alike
References
Galí, D., Forcadell, E., Primé-Tous, M., Puig, O., & Lera-Miguel, S. (2023). Cool Kids: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a Spanish Sample of Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-023-01579-w
Frequently Asked Questions About Thinking Errors: Cognitive Distortions for Children Resources
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